"The Prince of Egypt" is a timeless animated musical drama released 26 years ago (1998). I recently watched it for the first time and was deeply moved by its storytelling, music, and animation. How could I miss this masterpiece! Anyway it doesn't matter, I'm grateful to have finally seen it. Despite its age, the film remains a powerful and relevant experience.
So to summarize, The Prince of Egypt is produced by DreamWorks. It adapts the biblical Book of Exodus, following Moses's journey from an Egyptian prince to a prophet chosen by God to lead the Hebrews out of slavery. Notably this was DreamWorks first animated feature, and the studio spared no effort in bringing together an impressive ensemble of voice actors, songwriters, and composers, demonstrating DreamWorks means serious business. There are many things I like from the movie, SPOILER AHEAD, here we go
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1. Deliver Us: A Powerful Opening
With the stings of the whip on my shoulder
Imagine that you are working your bone to the death and when you return home, you newly born son is killed... you might go insane. The opening sequence, set to the song "Deliver Us", masterfully depicts the harsh reality of Hebrew slavery and their desperate cries for freedom. The lyrics and music convey a deep sense of suffering under the oppressive Egyptian sun, highlighting their hope for deliverance. When I hear they sing "Deliver Us, There's a land you promised us" It struck and resonates deeply in me, reminding us that Even in the darkest times, there is a promise of a better future. To those that feel like living in a bondage, have faith because God will deliver. Big kudos to the singing voice of Yocheved (Ofra Haza) her performance is particularly moving; her voice captures both desperation and hope. From the information I found, she recorded this song into 17 different languages! what a dedication and talent! Young Miriam (Eden Riegel), also delivers a touching performance, adding to the emotional weight of the scene.
Yocheved Crying
2. The Wisdom of "Through Heaven's Eyes"
Another standout moment is Jethro's song "Through Heaven's Eyes" where he teaches Moses about the importance of seeing oneself through the eyes of the divine rather than through human judgment. One of my favorite lyrics is:
A single thread in a tapestryThough its color brightly shinesCan never see its purposeIn the pattern of the grand design
This metaphor beautifully illustrates that, while each person is unique and valuable, our true purpose is only fully realized when we embrace our role in the greater design orchestrated by God, the Grand Artist.
Another poignant lyric is:
And to one lost sheep, a shepherd boy
Is greater than the richest king
This verse teaches that material wealth is not the ultimate measure of value; simple, essential things can be far more precious. It also subtly references the biblical parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing the importance of each individual to the Good Shepherd, who cares for us beyond material wealth. Whenever you lost, listen to shepherd voice. Sheep knows the shepherd voice, and the Good Shepherd loves His sheep (well rich king might love sheep too but maybe as a mutton in his feast)
3. The Encounter with God
One of the most awe-inspiring scenes is Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush. I love this part because the animation manage to capture the divine presence with a warm, inviting white flame. There's no any sense of threat and instead it emphasize God's welcoming and reassuring nature. The animator did a good job depicting an encounter with God, full of awe, wonder, and reverence! The scene is beautifully accompanied by Hans Zimmer's music, enhancing the atmosphere to the fullest. Top notch! There's part when God reprimand Moses. But then, it followed by God comforting assurance with soft spoken voice. It really portrays a compassionate and patient God who supports and guide his followers.
After seeing the burning bushes scene, I contemplate that God, Our Heavenly Father is a God that welcome you with open arms. His Grace is available to all, regardless of their past as shown in Moses' transformation from the Prince of Egypt (and former killer) to a leader of the Hebrew People. Embrace His Grace and never turn back.
4. The Plagues Sequence
A standout creative decision in The Prince of Egypt is the way the filmmakers condensed the second to ninth plagues into a single musical sequence. I initially wondered how they would portray all the plagues without consuming too much time, especially as the movie was entering its third act. This question was answered brilliantly through the song performed by Moses and Rameses, which felt like an epic rap battle of the ancient world (hehe). The filmmakers managed to convey the escalating tension and devastation through powerful visuals and music. The depiction of the tenth plague, in particular, is hauntingly effective. The silence and darkness create a chilling atmosphere, broken only by the subtle sound of a cup shattering—a simple yet powerful representation of the profound loss experienced by the Egyptians.
5.The Final Scene: "When You Believe" and the Parting of the Red Sea
I didn't realize that the song "When You Believe" was created specifically for this movie, and seeing it within the context of the final scene gave me a deeper appreciation for its message. After enduring years of slavery, when prayers for deliverance seemed unanswered and conditions were harsh, including the horrors of infanticide, the Hebrews finally experience freedom. The song captures the overwhelming sense of relief and miracle-like feeling of their liberation. Its theme of maintaining faith and perseverance resonates strongly, especially in light of the hardships faced by the characters.
The parting of the Red Sea is a visually stunning climax, especially impressive for a movie released in 1998. The CGI waves are beautifully rendered, capturing the grandeur and awe of the miraculous event. The scene perfectly encapsulates the divine intervention that defines this biblical story, leaving viewers with a sense of wonder and reverence.
Overall, The Prince of Egypt has remarkable storytelling, music, and animation to deliver a powerful and emotionally resonant experience (I might be biased here). Is a must-watch for anyone interested in animated films or biblical narratives.
Written by: Admin ST-Rex
